Fewer abortions in Arizona as new laws take hold

The number of abortions performed in Arizona dropped by about a third in September after implementation of new state restrictions and requirements.

The new restrictions and requirements took effect in August and September.

State figures indicate 729 abortions were performed in September. That’s down 32 percent from August, 31 percent from September 2010, and 39 percent from the previous 12-month average.

Planned Parenthood Arizona CEO Bryan Howard says availability of abortion services is reduced mainly because of new laws requiring all abortion facilities to have physicians involved in certain aspects of all abortions.

Planned Parenthood dropped abortion services at seven of 10 locations statewide, including all three clinics in cities outside Tucson and metro Phoenix.

Abortion opponent Cathi Herrod of the Center for Arizona Policy hails the reduction.